Azzura Marine launches superfast multihull sailing yacht

Australian superyacht refit and repair facility, Azzura Marine, said it has launched one of the world’s fastest luxury sailing multihull yachts.

The company said the 32m multihull, Necker Belle (formerly Lady Barbaretta), has undergone a major refit and refurbishment that has transformed her and given her a new lease of life.

Boasting a new paint job, new look and new name, Azzura Marine said the unique, lightweight, all-carbon fibre yacht has been significantly rebuilt and redesigned to reach speeds of up to 25kts.

Necker Belle had extensive upgrades to her yacht’s sailing systems, including new sails, deck hardware and a new mast measuring a dizzying 38m in height.

The 14m-beam interior was significantly remodelled by Azzura Marine’s dedicated fitout division, AM Interiors. Specialised craftsmen were responsible for the design and construction of the entire interior, including an additional guest cabin, providing luxuriously appointed accommodation for an extra two guests.

During the commissioning of her systems in Azzura Marine’s large construction hall, a water tower was set up to simulate seawater use within each system. This allowed all the major systems including the main engines and generators to be fully load tested.

The Necker Belle crew have begun extensive dockside testing of the yacht, including the stepping of her mast, at Azzura Marine’s state-of-the-art facility in Newcastle, Australia. Once she has completed the trials, she will be sailed more than 10,000nm home to the Caribbean where Virgin Limited Edition, Sir Richard Branson’s collection of award-winning retreats, will charter her on a weekly basis to discerning guests.

Complying with commercial charter boat standards, Necker Belle has had her accreditation upgraded from MCA LY1 to MCA LY2, ensuring she is one of the finest multihulls available on the charter market, Azzura Marine said.

Meanwhile, Azzura Marine added that it will be exhibiting as part of the Superyacht Australia stand (SYBA) at the Monaco Yacht Show (Darse Nord Air Conditioned Tent, QD21) from September 23 to 26 and the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in October (Y&B Tent, 669).

Photos: The 32m multihull sailing yacht Necker Bellehas undergone a major refit and refurbishment with Azzura Marine at its Newcastle, NSW, facility.